Tek elite status?

[motoxmann]

Does anyone know the status of the backorder for the tek elite fixtures? I've read that there was a problem with the fans and that they're being overhauled. No one has them in stock (reef geek says 2-3 weeks, marine depot has said 2-3 days for the last two weeks).

Trying to setup a new tank and cant really spring for the ati, so just trying to get an idea on time frame if anyones in the loop.

Edit: The four bulb sun power is along the same lines price wise. Would it be better to use a 4 or 6 bulb light on a 36x18x18 tank? For color, I'm trying to get close to my 14k mh maybe a little bluer. Stocking will be my rose bta's, and zoas that I have now, plus I want to add some lps and sps since I'll be running a skimmer and should be able to keep my params up.

 

[moondoggy4]

I have the Tek Elite light and the fans have been an on going problem. Every time I get a hold of them they say other 3 weeks that was 9 months ago.

 

[Johnny C]

From someone who owned a 36x18x21'' w/ 6x39w ATI, you'll be fine with a 4x39w Sunpower- I had bleaching issues due to too much light, and I had 60-70% SPS. I was less than impressed when I saw the Elites, and as you mentioned it seems that they still didn't resolve the issue with the fans. I would be willing to guess the 4x39w ATI can match the 6x39w Tek Elite in par. JMO!

As far as color goes; this bulb combo might be what you're looking for: (2) ATI Blue +, (1) KZ Figi Purple and (1) KZ New Gen 14K. Hope this helps!

 

[dixiedog]

From someone who owned a 36x18x21'' w/ 6x39w ATI, you'll be fine with a 4x39w Sunpower- I had bleaching issues due to too much light, and I had 60-70% SPS. I was less than impressed when I saw the Elites, and as you mentioned it seems that they still didn't resolve the issue with the fans. I would be willing to guess the 4x39w ATI can match the 6x39w Tek Elite in par. JMO!

As far as color goes; this bulb combo might be what you're looking for: (2) ATI Blue +, (1) KZ Figi Purple and (1) KZ New Gen 14K. Hope this helps!

You're more right than you realize about the PAR. I have measured the output of my (DIY fan cooled) 4x24 TEK against a 6x24 Sunpower with the same bulbs, and to my surprise they were almost exactly the same. The two extra bulbs don't increase PAR, they only spread it out over a wider area.

This was not what I expected to see.

 

[Mr. Right]

I own a ATI SP (4x39) and a Tek elite (6x39). I must say that the ATI is hands down a better light period. The tek is a good performer but it can’t match the ATI. I have yet to run into issues with the fans on my tek so I guess I’m lucky. I’d go with the ATI.

 

[chimmike]

Marine depot doesn't even show the tek elite as an option anymore, so I probably wouldn't expect them to be out for a while

 

[ganjero]

You're more right than you realize about the PAR. I have measured the output of my (DIY fan cooled) 4x24 TEK against a 6x24 Sunpower with the same bulbs, and to my surprise they were almost exactly the same. The two extra bulbs don't increase PAR, they only spread it out over a wider area.

This was not what I expected to see.

I dont know why people dont understand this. After 3-4 bulbs more bulbs wont increase PAR you'll get better spread, that is it. So 4 vs 6 depends on your tank dimensions.

 

[dixiedog]

I dont know why people dont understand this. After 3-4 bulbs more bulbs wont increase PAR you'll get better spread, that is it. So 4 vs 6 depends on your tank dimensions.

Exactly. Another thing they don't understand is that a TEK will indeed keep right up with an ATI, if properly cooled.

 

[The Donald]

Exactly. Another thing they don't understand is that a TEK will indeed keep right up with an ATI, if properly cooled.

I've read that the ballast in the Tek Elite (workhorse) will produce less par than the ballast used in the ATI.

 

[dixiedog]

Yeah, I've read that too. I haven't read any firsthand reports from fellow reefers who've PAR tested both fixtures the way I have, though. Til then it's all propaganda as far as I'm concerned.

I'll stand by to get flamed by all the ATI owners now ...

 

[cubsare1]

You're more right than you realize about the PAR. I have measured the output of my (DIY fan cooled) 4x24 TEK against a 6x24 Sunpower with the same bulbs, and to my surprise they were almost exactly the same. The two extra bulbs don't increase PAR, they only spread it out over a wider area.

This was not what I expected to see.

Could you show your fan mod and a how to? Or maybe pm me a link so as not to derail this thread.
Thanks

 

[dixiedog]

Could you show your fan mod and a how to? Or maybe pm me a link so as not to derail this thread.
Thanks

Not really a mod as such. It ain't fancy, but it works, it cost $7 and it raises my PAR by 10%.:thumbsup:


Hope this is OK motoxmann, I assume it's not really hijacking since we're still discussing fan-cooled TEK fixtures? Go ahead and smack me down if I'm out of line ...

 

[motoxmann]

No no not at all! Please continue. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I'm just trying to find the best solution while keeping within a certain budget (getting married in oct. So have to watch the funds). From reading, it does seem that the 4 bulb ati can match up to the tek 6 bulb as far as par is concerned. The tanks only 18 inches deep as well, so I'm sure the 4 bulb would put out enough light in that respect (even of I did have to put sps towards the top and lower light stuff near the bottom Now I'm just thinking about spread. Would a 4 bulb be sufficient over an 18" wide tank?

 

[moondoggy4]

I would say yes to your question motoxmann, you will have to suspend the light over your tank if you use the ATI.

 

[dixiedog]

No no not at all! Please continue. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I'm just trying to find the best solution while keeping within a certain budget (getting married in oct. So have to watch the funds). From reading, it does seem that the 4 bulb ati can match up to the tek 6 bulb as far as par is concerned. The tanks only 18 inches deep as well, so I'm sure the 4 bulb would put out enough light in that respect (even of I did have to put sps towards the top and lower light stuff near the bottom Now I'm just thinking about spread. Would a 4 bulb be sufficient over an 18" wide tank?

You'd be somewhat limited in your SPS-compatible real estate. It could be done if you're okay with that.

 

[rtparty]

Yeah, I've read that too. I haven't read any firsthand reports from fellow reefers who've PAR tested both fixtures the way I have, though. Til then it's all propaganda as far as I'm concerned.

I'll stand by to get flamed by all the ATI owners now ...

Is your light using Workhorse ballasts or Advance ballasts?

Tek used Advance for the first little bit but then switched to WH.

Grim did a test where all he did was change out the ballasts. It was a retro setup. The WH ballasts constantly put out ~20% less PAR than a spec T5 ballast.

Not discounting your results by any means just showing that others have tested both setups. If your light is using Advance ballasts then you have spec T5 ballasts just like an ATI.

I currently have an Aquactinics TX5 (5x39w) over my 40 gallon breeder and this thing doesn't hold a candle to my old 4x24w ATI Sunpower. My old fixture kills this light in total output but this one is coloring my corals up nicely so I can't complain.

 

[Johnny C]

You're more right than you realize about the PAR.

Trust me, I've done my homework. BTW; my ATI Powermodule boasted almost double the PAR that my Tek did; I doubt any fan can make up for the difference.

Now I'm just thinking about spread. Would a 4 bulb be sufficient over an 18" wide tank?

If you go the ATI route, I truly believe you will be fine; just keep the fixture at least 6'' above the surface. You can keep lower light Softys & LPS down low, while keeping higher-light SPS up top. JMO!

 

[phi delt reefer]

FWIW - get a sunpower over the powermodule. Sunpower is cheaper and puts out approx 5% less PAR than the Powermodule. The only reason the Powermodule has more fans is because of the sleek design of the fixture. Sunpower is a bulkier looking unit but doesnt need the same number of fans to maintain an ideal operating temp.

this info was provided to me by ReefGeek (I believe they are ATI's distributor in the US)


as for an 18" wide tank - go with a 6 bulb unit.

 

[The Donald]

I ordered a Tek Elite 48" 4 bulb fixture for my 75 gallon...I got an email saying that it would be atleast 2+ weeks before they could be shipped. i was then offered 10% off any ATI Sunpower. I ordered the 36" 4 bulb fixture which will allow me a place for acclimation and mushrooms (I have 3" of sand bed on each end of the tank so i'm not sure i can even do this). If the ATI is as good as everyone says, the 36" will work great. On a side not, with the discount i'm only paying $13 more for the ATI.

 

[noobtothereef]

i thought the tek elites are the new vho t5 fixtures?